Domain of Power-The Dreamer (Book 3)

Chapter 26: When We Had it All

My fingers ran through my brows, catching the beads of sweat before they hit the ground. After hiding behind the clouds, the sun finally made its appearance, baking everything within sight the moment I left the city limits. I must have been on the same road for what seemed like hours. It was the same road I traveled when I accompanied the twins to get to Cyrene, but now I was traveling in the opposite direction, alone. Each step felt heavier than the last as my feet ached.

How far do I have left?

Without warning, a fly buzzed in my face before landing on my brow. I swatted only to smack myself in my bruised eye while the fly flew away.

I hate my life right now.

I whipped around, hoping to squish the flying pest in my palm when I felt the ground rattle. Galloping from the eastern horizon was a horse.

I stood in the middle of the road, squinting at the two horses lugging a carriage.

Maybe this rider would be kind enough to take me the rest of the way to the Capital, unlike the others that passed me by or traveled in the opposite direction. With little room to pass on either side of me, he had no choice but to stop.

When he came to a complete stop, the rider's first question was, "Can I help you?"

"Can you take me to Apathia? I need to go to the Basilica."

The man nodded before gesturing for me to come inside. Inside, amphoras filled the carriage floor, forcing me to tiptoe around them. The man looked at me and then at his cargo surrounding my feet. "This ride is free as long as nothing breaks on the way to the market. Do we have an understanding, Prince Troy?"

I nodded.

"Good."

He reached over to pat the coarse mane of his horse. "To Apathia!"

He knew more than my name. This stranger, who later introduced himself as Tiberius, knew every route around the island. According to him, it would only take a day to travel around the island on foot. Considering he was a merchant, he would often make trips between Apathia and Cyrene when new exports arrived by ship. According to him, he had a load of goods to bring to the Forum to sell. Considering the basilica was in the same vicinity, I would not have far to walk.

When I saw the jagged skyline, which included the Temple of Artemis, my chest tightened. Soon, I would have to explain before Felix and possibly the rest of the Council why I would be ending my "assignment." If I could just speak to Barbarius, this meeting would feel less daunting.

After getting stalled by a stream of commoners crossing the major route to the Forum, my ride had finally come to a brisk halt under the imposing arches that marked the Forum's grand entrance.

Despite his incessant chatter, I was thankful he gave me a ride to Apathia. He delivered on his promise to take me to the Forum, and I kept my promise to keep his belongings safe. I thanked him before crossing over to the opposite side of the Forum to reach the steps of the basilica. Stationed outside the double doors were two sentinels.

I asked them if either of them had seen Barbarius. The one on the left shook his head. The one to the right replied, "He has not made it back yet. He must be on one of his travels."

Then it struck me. Perhaps he was still with Felix, making their visits to all of Maximus' and Athena's acquaintances. Priscilla. My heart sank a little at the thought of her name being added to the list.

The second sentinel's voice snapped me from my thoughts, "Do you need to speak with the Council? They should be closing for the mid-day break any moment."